Do they dismantle for moving?

Many early ones do. The tusk tenons hold wooden wedges that you can gently knock out with a mallet. Once the wedges are out, the stretcher pulls free from the uprights. The top usually lifts straight off the base.

I have a dining room with uneven floorboards, so will a long solid base wobble too much when people are eating?

A trestle design handles uneven floors better than a standard frame. The weight rests on two broad central feet rather than four separate corners. You might need a small wedge under one end if the floor dips sharply. The sheer weight of the oak usually settles the piece firmly enough for daily use.

How wide are the tops?

Most antique trestle tables are narrow, built for diners sitting along one side. Expect them to measure under thirty inches across.

We want to use one as a kitchen island for food prep, but will the historic wax finish stand up to chopping and hot pans?

Historic wax offers little protection against heat. A hot pan melts the wax quickly and leaves a deep white ring in the surface. Chopping directly on the boards cuts through the accumulated patina. You need to use proper cutting boards and thick trivets to protect the timber. Many people place a custom sheet of toughened glass over the top for kitchen work. It guards the wood while keeping the grain visible.

Home > Tables > Trestle Tables > Page 2

Antique Trestle Tables Dated 1900 - 1920

← Page 2 of 7 →

An antique trestle table consists of a long, heavy board resting on two or more distinct supports linked by a stretcher, originally designed to be dismantled and moved out of the way after meals in mediaeval halls.